Molecular Diagnostic Pathology

A variety of recurrent genetic abnormalities have been well documented in many, if not most, human diseases. Genetic abnormalities specifically associated with these diagnoses are very useful biomarkers for pathology classification and risk stratification. Molecularly targeted therapies have been successfully developed based on disease-specific genetic abnormalities in several cancers and infectious diseases. Practicing anatomic pathologists now must know the fundamentals of molecular pathology so that they can rationally and cost effectively utilize molecular methods to fine-tune pathology diagnoses and guide personalized patient care. In this chapter, we will review the principles of molecular methods in anatomic pathology, and the practical application of these methods in anatomic pathology.